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mackbutter

mackbutter

Active member

Canadian looking for information about Ecuador

Forum posts

38

Contacts

1

About me

Canadian

Registration: 06 January 2014

mackbutter
mackbutter replied to a thread
11 years ago
Julien

New members of the Colombia forum, introduce yourself here by Julien

Hi all, Newbie on the Colombia forum? Don’t know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...

mackbutter

Hello. My name is Matt. I will be in Medellin next week . Everybody I talk to loves it there. I'm 40 and I work online so I can live anywhere . I have spent a year in Thailand, Philippines, Japan, China, Taiwan, HongKong , Malaysia, ... Read More

mackbutter
mackbutter replied to a thread
12 years ago
mackbutter

Alarms by mackbutter

I still don't fully understand the constant car alarms. I know others have discussed this but it still confuses me. I have seen families sitting in their cars and chatting/looking at their phones ...while the car alarms roar. Or when they open a ...

mackbutter

Yes , it would b for my comfort ,but I'll only be here over a year. But imagine this country developing more and more each day. And 10 years from now the common courtesies are not applied. Cars still are not stopping for pedestrians, alarms ... Read More

mackbutter
mackbutter replied to a thread
12 years ago
mackbutter

Alarms by mackbutter

I still don't fully understand the constant car alarms. I know others have discussed this but it still confuses me. I have seen families sitting in their cars and chatting/looking at their phones ...while the car alarms roar. Or when they open a ...

mackbutter

I could definitely , and did, keep a sense of humour about it for 10 weeks but as I'm gonna stay here for well over one year....it tests my resolve. I have been to around 16 countries and have never seen something like this. I have even seen ... Read More

mackbutter
mackbutter created a thread
12 years ago

Alarms

I still don't fully understand the constant car alarms. I know others have discussed this but it still confuses me. I have seen families sitting in their cars and chatting/looking at their phones ...while the car alarms roar. Or when they open a ... Read More

mackbutter
mackbutter replied to a thread
12 years ago
carolynhunter

need temperate (for ecuador) location, trying salinas soon,need your by carolynhunter

need temperate (for ecuador) location, trying salinas soon, need your knowledge re; all things an elderly physically disabled lady might need to know? i thought the temp would be 70 to 80 mostly around salinas and the rental i might be approved ...

mackbutter

Hi. I'm in Cuenca and don't mind the weather. Rains for about 2 hours/day but the rest of the day is usually very nice. I would like to try the street vendors too but usually when I do so in the many countries Ive visited, I get sick. Salinas is ... Read More

mackbutter
mackbutter replied to a thread
12 years ago

RENTAL CONTRACT

Thanx Denise. I'm sure tha will do the trick! The agent had said that this washroom was hardly ever used and so I understood that as the previous tenant never used it because it stunk. :dumbom: Now I see the reason for the smell was BECAUSE it ... Read More

mackbutter
mackbutter replied to a thread
12 years ago
Sponytom

Drivers license validity by Sponytom

Can one drive a car in Ecuador using an European drivers license...? Are there any rules to be followed in that matter...? I have read about expats getting their licenses swapped for Ecuadorian ones... Any info much appreciated... Cheers... :top:

mackbutter

Well I guess I learned my lesson. LOL :lol: Read More

mackbutter
mackbutter replied to a thread
12 years ago

RENTAL CONTRACT

Hi. This blog has so much great info so I was hoping if someone has some tips for me regarding renting an apartment. I already found a great place and just wanna hear some tips from your 1st hand experiences . My situation may be slightly different ... Read More

mackbutter
mackbutter replied to a thread
12 years ago
Sponytom

Drivers license validity by Sponytom

Can one drive a car in Ecuador using an European drivers license...? Are there any rules to be followed in that matter...? I have read about expats getting their licenses swapped for Ecuadorian ones... Any info much appreciated... Cheers... :top:

mackbutter

Again, I have to apologize if my travelling experience disturbed u. I'm definitely not an authority on the subject and only have my experiences to reference. As I said , my experience definitely does not mean it will be others' experience. I ... Read More

mackbutter
mackbutter replied to a thread
12 years ago
Sponytom

Drivers license validity by Sponytom

Can one drive a car in Ecuador using an European drivers license...? Are there any rules to be followed in that matter...? I have read about expats getting their licenses swapped for Ecuadorian ones... Any info much appreciated... Cheers... :top:

mackbutter

Sorry to offend ya. I guess you're a bit more emotional than myself. If I knew you were stressed out about the topic and had trouble keeping quiet on the "sidelines?" I wouldn't have tried to add my 2 cents from my experience. It sounds like ... Read More

mackbutter
mackbutter replied to a thread
12 years ago
Sponytom

Drivers license validity by Sponytom

Can one drive a car in Ecuador using an European drivers license...? Are there any rules to be followed in that matter...? I have read about expats getting their licenses swapped for Ecuadorian ones... Any info much appreciated... Cheers... :top:

mackbutter

RE: As I understand the visa law (and may be wrong) after six months you have to have some type of visa and then can get your cedula, My understanding of the DL law is that after 90 days you can no longer drive on a foreign DL. I think that one ... Read More

mackbutter
mackbutter replied to a thread
12 years ago
Sponytom

Drivers license validity by Sponytom

Can one drive a car in Ecuador using an European drivers license...? Are there any rules to be followed in that matter...? I have read about expats getting their licenses swapped for Ecuadorian ones... Any info much appreciated... Cheers... :top:

mackbutter

RE: Having an EC cedula and matricula with the cedula number might make for an awkward moment if you have a foreign driver's license," That must be true, I imagine. I'm only staying here for 1 or 2 years so I don't plan on getting a cedula and ... Read More

mackbutter
mackbutter replied to a thread
12 years ago
Sponytom

Drivers license validity by Sponytom

Can one drive a car in Ecuador using an European drivers license...? Are there any rules to be followed in that matter...? I have read about expats getting their licenses swapped for Ecuadorian ones... Any info much appreciated... Cheers... :top:

mackbutter

Hi. I have been to about 15 countries and lived in many of them for long term. I am definitely not an authority on the subject but I can say from my experience that having a foreign driver's licence has gotten me out of way more trouble than in ... Read More

mackbutter
mackbutter replied to a thread
12 years ago
mackbutter

Motorbike / Scooter rental by mackbutter

Hi there! I'll be in Cuenca in 2 weeks for 1+ yrs. I travel a lot and usually like to rent a scooter or motorbike when I'm in Thailand or the Philippines. I was hoping that someone might know where one could rent one on a monthly basis for a ...

mackbutter

Thanks for the reply. :D Good to know. Looks like buying a cheap motorbike will b my best bet then.... But this will take some time to figure out all the rule and what to look for when getting a bike in Ecuador... :( I know taxis and Pub. ... Read More

mackbutter
mackbutter replied to a thread
12 years ago
BobH

What is it with the @#$% car alarms? by BobH

I probably had not heard as many car alarms in the preceding ten years or so as I've heard in the month I've been here. I have come to the conclusion that either I live in the most crime-ridden neighborhood on the planet, with a car stolen every ...

mackbutter

I think you're right about the car pride thing. I have done a fair bit of travelling to developing countries and a lot of people get a lot of pride from others noticing that they own a car and this is their car sounding off. Of course I ... Read More

mackbutter
mackbutter replied to a thread
12 years ago
Modern Gypsy

Questions.... many questions..... by Modern Gypsy

Hi Everybody!!! Me and my family are thinking about jumping the USA ship for many reasons most of you are familiar with. We are seeking a new life where we could live/play/work comfortably without the stresses associated living where we are. I am ...

mackbutter

I did a fair bit of research on driving down as I would love to drive my convertible vette there but it became very clear that this would be unrealistic. Between the fuel expenses and the fact that u would have to ship the car over from panama(very ... Read More

mackbutter
mackbutter created a thread
12 years ago

Motorbike / Scooter rental

Hi there! I'll be in Cuenca in 2 weeks for 1+ yrs. I travel a lot and usually like to rent a scooter or motorbike when I'm in Thailand or the Philippines. I was hoping that someone might know where one could rent one on a monthly basis for a ... Read More

mackbutter
mackbutter replied to a thread
12 years ago
MissDenver

Items to ship vs. buy in Cuenca? by MissDenver

I wanted to find out what items I should ship. Are there items you wish you had brought? I will need TV, queen & twin beds, 2 mattresses, sofa, loveseat or chair, coffee table, small desk, dining table & chairs. I want to know how much to budget for ...

mackbutter

P.S. Vinny: Where do u prefer? Spain, Panama or Ecuador? Just curious . Thanks! :top: Read More

mackbutter
mackbutter replied to a thread
12 years ago

International Movers

Hi. I will be coming down next month to Cuenca and will be staying for 1 year or 2. I will bring 3 suitcases with all my basics and diving equipment but I would like to ship a medium-Large box full of things that I prefer not to buy while ... Read More

mackbutter
mackbutter replied to a thread
12 years ago

Shipping...

Hi. I will be coming down next month to Cuenca and will be staying for 1 year or 2. I will bring 3 suitcases with all my basics and diving equipment but I would like to ship a medium-Large box full of things that I prefer not to buy while ... Read More

mackbutter
mackbutter replied to a thread
12 years ago
MissDenver

Items to ship vs. buy in Cuenca? by MissDenver

I wanted to find out what items I should ship. Are there items you wish you had brought? I will need TV, queen & twin beds, 2 mattresses, sofa, loveseat or chair, coffee table, small desk, dining table & chairs. I want to know how much to budget for ...

mackbutter

Hi. I will be coming down next month to Cuenca from Vancouver, Canada, and will be staying for 1 year or 2. I will bring 3 suitcases with all my basics and diving equipment but I would like to ship a medium-Large box full of things that I prefer ... Read More

mackbutter
mackbutter replied to a thread
12 years ago
claude.gravel

Anyone from Canada in Cuenca? by claude.gravel

I would like the opportunity of discussing Cuenca as a place to live in Ecuador.

mackbutter

Hi. I will be coming down next month to Cuenca from Vancouver , Canada and will be staying for 1 year or 2. I will bring 3 suitcases with all my basics and diving equipment but I would like to ship a medium-Large box full of things that I prefer ... Read More

mackbutter
mackbutter replied to a thread
12 years ago
hjschanke

What items do you most miss from the US? by hjschanke

Here's a hypothetical question for those of you who've been in Cuenca for a while. If someone were willing to bring you a full suitcase from the US, what would you have them fill it with? clothes? shoes? electronics? certain foods/spices?

mackbutter

Hi. I will be coming down next month to Cuenca and will be staying for 1 year or 2. I will bring 3 suitcases with all my basics and diving equipment but I would like to ship a medium-Large box full of things that I prefer not to buy while ... Read More

mackbutter
mackbutter replied to a thread
12 years ago
expat42451

Yet another visa question by expat42451

Hi All-- I have been living in Tena for the last 6 months, looking at various properties and have run out of time. My 12 IX expires the 20th of October. I understand that it is 6 months until I can obtain another 12 IX. Here is the question-- Can ...

mackbutter

It has been my experience from traveling and living in various countries around the world that in developing countries the visa-run situation is very common. And it almost always depends on the immigration officer you are dealing with. For ... Read More

mackbutter
mackbutter replied to a thread
12 years ago
thesherins

So interested in Cuenca! by thesherins

Hello My wife and I are coming to Ecuador this summer to check things out before we retire in 2 years (teachers and coaches). Can anyone tell me where we can meet expats to get to know the real Cuenca scene? Is there a local hangout? Gracias Marty

mackbutter

I have recently read also that the area around South Solano ave. is very nice and the area around Las Americas/ Ordonez Lazzo ave. is very nice. I will try to book a B&B around one of these areas so as to get a good look around. :top: Read More

mackbutter
mackbutter replied to a thread
12 years ago
thesherins

So interested in Cuenca! by thesherins

Hello My wife and I are coming to Ecuador this summer to check things out before we retire in 2 years (teachers and coaches). Can anyone tell me where we can meet expats to get to know the real Cuenca scene? Is there a local hangout? Gracias Marty

mackbutter

Thanks so much Neil! That area will be my 1st area to check out and I'm sure I will contact u soon after I arrive. Happy New Year! Matt Read More

mackbutter
mackbutter replied to a thread
12 years ago
thesherins

So interested in Cuenca! by thesherins

Hello My wife and I are coming to Ecuador this summer to check things out before we retire in 2 years (teachers and coaches). Can anyone tell me where we can meet expats to get to know the real Cuenca scene? Is there a local hangout? Gracias Marty

mackbutter

That's great "Zenspike"! It seams like u have the answer to my question......so I'm curious then why u didn't answer my question...? :/ If your's is exactly the type of neighbourhood I described then could u tell me the name of this neighbourhood ... Read More

mackbutter
mackbutter replied to a thread
12 years ago
mackbutter

Cuenca's Nicer Neighbourhoods by mackbutter

Hello. I'm from Vancouver, Canada. I have decided to move to Cuenca. I'm very excited. :D I have lived in Thailand, Japan, the Philippines and the U.S. for 2 years each and have learned that I definitely like to live in a modern style ...

mackbutter

Sorry. I should have added that affordable would be under $800 month rent. And a nice neighbourhood means some trees, quiet, close to amenities but not downtown. I guess I'm looking for something that is on the outskirts in a more newly developed ... Read More

mackbutter
mackbutter created a thread
12 years ago

Cuenca's Nicer Neighbourhoods

Hello. I'm from Vancouver, Canada. I have decided to move to Cuenca. I'm very excited. :D I have lived in Thailand, Japan, the Philippines and the U.S. for 2 years each and have learned that I definitely like to live in a modern style ... Read More

mackbutter
mackbutter replied to a thread
12 years ago
thesherins

So interested in Cuenca! by thesherins

Hello My wife and I are coming to Ecuador this summer to check things out before we retire in 2 years (teachers and coaches). Can anyone tell me where we can meet expats to get to know the real Cuenca scene? Is there a local hangout? Gracias Marty

mackbutter

Hello. I'm from Vancouver, Canada. I have decided to move to Cuenca. I'm very excited. :D I have lived in Thailand, Japan, the Philippines and the U.S. for 2 years each and have learned that I definitely like to live in a modern style ... Read More

mackbutter
mackbutter replied to a thread
12 years ago
claude.gravel

Anyone from Canada in Cuenca? by claude.gravel

I would like the opportunity of discussing Cuenca as a place to live in Ecuador.

mackbutter

Hello. I'm from Vancouver, Canada. I have decided to move to Cuenca. I'm very excited. I have lived in Thailand, Japan, the Philippines and the U.S. for 2 years each and have learned that I definitely like to live in a modern style condo ... Read More

mackbutter
mackbutter replied to a thread
12 years ago
Nards Barley

The unofficial web page of the greater Cuenca expat community by Nards Barley

I designate this thread as the unofficial web page for the Cuenca Expat community. I also designate myself as the unoffical spokesperson. It is actually a continuation of my [url=https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=224582]non-blog[/url], ...

mackbutter

Hi! I traveled a lot in the Philippines to Manila, Subic Bay, Cebu and Malapascua. I did a lot of Scuba Diving so that was fantastic. I would have to say the petty crime was the worst part of the Philippines. I was mugged on my 1st day there ... Read More

mackbutter
mackbutter replied to a thread
12 years ago
Nards Barley

The unofficial web page of the greater Cuenca expat community by Nards Barley

I designate this thread as the unofficial web page for the Cuenca Expat community. I also designate myself as the unoffical spokesperson. It is actually a continuation of my [url=https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=224582]non-blog[/url], ...

mackbutter

Hello. I'm from Vancouver. I have decided to move to Cuenca. :) I'm very excited. :) I have lived in Thailand, Japan, the Philippines and the U.S. for 2 years each and have learned that I definitely like to live in a modern style condo in a ... Read More

mackbutter
mackbutter replied to a thread
12 years ago
Themiddleoftheworld

Researching Ecuador online? by Themiddleoftheworld

If you are having troubles researching the information you are looking for about life or living in Ecuador. My new blog post offers a few tips to help streamline things for you. It is non-biased and vendor independent so you won´t be sold ...

mackbutter

Hello. I'm from Vancouver. I have decided to move to Cuenca. :) I'm very excited. :) I have lived in Thailand, Japan, the Philippines and the U.S. for 2 years each and have learned that I definitely like to live in a modern style condo in a ... Read More

mackbutter
mackbutter replied to a thread
12 years ago
Bazseville

Best place to live in Ecuador... by Bazseville

Hi Guys, How's it going? I lived in Ecuador a while back as a TEFL teacher. I lived and worked in Quito. I had a few run ins with the locals but in general I had a great time. What do you guys think is the best place to live in ...

mackbutter

Hello. I'm from Vancouver. I have decided to move to Cuenca. :) I'm very excited. :) I have lived in Thailand, Japan, the Philippines and the U.S. for 2 years each and have learned that I definitely like to live in a modern style condo in a ... Read More

mackbutter
mackbutter joined Ecuador expat community
12 years ago